John Michael Beard

John Michael Beard, 51, of McDonald, Ohio, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 12, 2020.

John was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 25, 1968,the son of John “Jack” and Irene (Bogacki) Beard. A lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, John grew up in Liberty Twp. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1986 and Youngstown State University in 2000.In 2012, he joined the Liberty Fire Department full-time. Prior to this he was a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic at Conneaut Fire Department. He also served many local communities as a part-time and volunteer Paramedic/Firefighter including Howland, Champion, and McDonald. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2075 and the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters.

John formed many friendships throughout his life and particularly during his time with the fire service. John was passionate about and devoted to his work. He also understood the mental health toll of the accumulated stress from working in the safety services. He encouraged and assisted many of his colleagues in the process of seeking counseling.

John had an ‘all in’ attitude when his interest was piqued. He was particularly fascinated by Youngstown history, and a casual drive with him often turned into a tour of offbeat and even infamous sites of past local drama. He restored and sold antique fans and lamps, and enjoyed long motorcycle rides both solo with his close friends. John recently joined the Axemen Motorcycle Club Ohio Chapter 4. This club embodies the pay-it-forward attitude John lived by. The Axemen are a non-profit organization of active and retired career firefighters dedicated to giving back to their communities.

John was an exceptional father, son, brother, and friend. He was hilarious, sarcastic, and the energy in a room cranked up several notches when he entered. In addition to his mother, Irene, of Liberty Twp., he leaves his beloved daughter Zoë, step son Christopher Black, their mother Kristine Black,and his sister Jennifer Beard, of Boston, MA. John was preceded in death by his father, Jack, who died peacefully two days before him on April 10, 2020.

Following the wishes of both son and father funeral services will not be held. A Celebration of Life will be held a later time. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send expressions of sympathy, or fond memories you may have of John to the family.

John will be missed greatly.